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Key

To view Meeting details please go to the Meetings Page.

June 2009

BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING

HELD ON THURSDAY 11 JUNE 2009 AT 7.30PM

IN THE CHARTER HALL, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER

PRESENT: Cllr KF Richards (Mayor of Bridgwater – in the Chair) Cllrs MD Cresswell, AS Downes, DP Loveridge, WJ Monteith, JR Munn, PGH Parker, Ms J Raven and J Turner (JP)

Apologies: Cllrs Baker, Busby, Granter, Hall, Preece, Mrs Slocombe and Smeed

01/09 POLICING IN BRIDGWATER – PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION WITH INSPECTOR NIC CROCKER:

Inspector Crocker gave the Town Council a summary of recent crime figures, including a 26% reduction in household burglaries (30 in number); confirmed action now being taken to police arterial routes taken home by those visiting pubs and clubs etc; the recent euro election that had passed quietly; the move to train and gear up Street Pastors to operate in the town centre from September – invitation to be extended to a representative to attend a future meeting; the impact of the dispersal area approved initially for three months in the West Street area, which had led to some displacement of activity notably in the docks area; action taken in the tackling drugs week; and the publication of the policing plan.

A series of questions were answered in relation to letters related to Anson Way; parking during the day by students attending Bridgwater College in the Fairfax Road and Longstone Avenue area; the effective use of the PACT meetings; difficulties created by overnight fishing at the docks and anti-social behaviour, with the steps taken to deal with this, including use of mobile CCTV; doorsafe bouncers and SIA qualifications; operation of PCSOs on the Hamp Estate; PCSOs excellent work in the Bower Ward.

RESOLVED:

That Inspector Crocker be thanked for his support;
that the Town Council write formally to the Principal of Bridgwater College in respect of the problems caused by students parking without due regard to householders and road users.

02/09 MINUTES

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 April 2009 be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record, subject to the addition of declarations of interest by

Cllrs Cresswell and Mrs Slocombe in respect of Minute 109/08 Bridgwater Carnival Committee and land at Bristol Road.

03/09 MATTERS ARISING:

Bridgwater Challenge (Min 103/08.1) – Members noted meetings of the Partnership Board and the Forum Workshop and the production of the draft Options Appraisal Report. The community engagement process was in full flow with drop-in sessions planned for 13 June at 11 High Street and 14 June in the main marquee at the Water Festival at the Docks;
Skate Park and Facilities (Min 103/08.iii) – The proposals in relation to the main site at the Leggar and the applications for two micro sites had been approved by the SDC Grants Panel for RLT2 and 3 funding. The next stages of the process involving local consultation and consultation with users was progressing. The Town Clerk had submitted a reminder to the grants panel of the Town Council’s position and support and the funding of £20K earmarked for the main facility at the Leggar.
Wembdon Road Cemetery (Min 111/08.1) – The guided walk had been held led by Miles Peterson following his work under the guidance of the Civic Society and Members requested that a further visit should be arranged to bring to life the information available on the website.

04/09 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING HELD ON 30 APRIL 2009 – MATTERS ARISING:

The Minutes of the Annual Public Meeting had been circulated for members’ information. These were available on the website together with the circulated resume of the year 2008/2009

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Annual Town Meeting 2009 be noted.

05/09 REPORT OF THE MUSEUM SUB-COMMITTEE (18 MAY 2009):

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 May 2009 (attached as an Appendix) were circulated. The Town Clerk confirmed that the transfer and agreement had been signed on 15 May 2009 and subsequent formal handover had taken place. Appreciation was expressed for the work of the volunteers let by the Friends of the Blake Museum who had taken on responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation and the assistance of the Honorary Museum Co-ordinator as the move to create a trust was planned. Natalie Watson’s appointment as Curatorial Advisor had been confirmed.

Budget papers indicating performance against budget in 2009/2010 dated 16 May 2009 and 10 June 2009 were circulated. Attention would also be paid to the Old Mill in order to secure that this was made wind and water tight pending further developments.

RESOLVED:

That the report of the Sub-Committee be endorsed;
that the budget papers be approved;
that Members welcome the continuing progress; and

4. that the land registry fees in relation to the transfer of Blake Museum and the

Old Mill be paid and chancel liability insurance to value of £250,000 be obtained

as agreed.

06/09 CEMETERIES:

It was noted that the cemeteries were operating successfully under the Service Level Agreement and that in connection with the transfer the only current issues was the rationalisation of the electricity supply and accounts for supply at Quantock Road cemetery. A dispute with EDF was seeking resolution.

07/09 TRINITY HALL:

The Town Clerk reported progress in negotiations for the transfer of Trinity Hall where the SDC Executive had offered a long lease (125 years) at a peppercorn to the Town Council. This was on the basis of continuing operation as a centre for public hall and community purposes available for public hire. A copy of the Heads of Terms had been circulated. One particular issue about root growth affecting sewers on site had been pursued and confirmation received of the work completed to deal with the problem. Members considered whether to pursue the long lease or continue to pursue a freehold interest.

RESOLVED:

That the Town Council approve a long-lease of Trinity Hall in accordance with the Heads of Terms to be used as a community resource, subject to finalisation of the lease;
that the Council require SDC to undertake works to the trees so that these are cut back so as not to impede the sewers in the immediate future and for as long as practicable.

(Cllr Loveridge declared an interest in this matter and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon)

08/09 TOWN HALL ISLAND SITE (THIS) (MIN 106/08) AND EX-CATTLE MARKET AND BRISTOL ROAD LANDS (MIN 65/08.IV):

The Town Clerk confirmed that the THIS project had not really moved forward since the previous report as minuted. It was however becoming clear that the complete cultural centre proposal and new build was unlikely to materialise and a report was expected to the SDC Executive at the end of the month confirming the way forward.

In the meantime the cultural partners, including the local user groups, had via the Development Trust Advisory Scheme worked on the preparation of a memorandum of articles and a draft of objects etc., necessary to establish a company limited by guarantee or similar charitable organisation, which might give a future working structure. It would be necessary for the Town Council’s position viz a vis any such organisation and future role over and above long term lease of accommodation for the Mayors’ suite and offices to be resolved.

Members remained concerned that, in effect, little progress had been made in the past four years or so. However, they recognised that particular circumstances that existed. A proposal for a freedom of information request in relation to expenditure to date was withdrawn in favour of an individual personal approach.

Members accepted advise of the link between the THIS project and the landowners agreement and the option agreement currently being finalised for Bristol Road lands on which draft heads of terms had been agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the position with the THIS project be noted and a further report awaited following the SDC Executive;
that the landowners’ agreement and the option agreement be progressed to completion in accordance with the approved heads of terms

(Cllr. Parker declared an interest in this matter as Chairman of the Arts Centre and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

09/09 NOTICE OF AUDIT 2008/2009: ACCOUNTS & GOVERNANCE STATEMENT:

The Town Clerk referred to the timetable for the audit and the steps necessary to sign off the accounts for submission to audit

RESOLVED: That the Council authorise either the Finance Committee or the Mayor in conjunction with the Responsible Financial Officer to sign off the accounts and statement of governance for submission to audit, subject to report to the next ordinary meeting.

10/09 ALLOTMENTS IN BRIDGWATER:

Members were referred to recent press reports and letters relating to the need for additional allotments in the town in the light of assumed lack of supply. The Town Clerk had requested detailed information from the Bridgwater Allotment Tenants Association in relation to take up and vacancies on each of the 10 sites and the number on waiting lists both in terms of general need and site specific requirements. Requests to the Town Council for allotment plots were received on a regular basis and referred to the association.

RESOLVED:

That the position be considered once the information is available;
that appropriate officers of the Association be invited to the Town Council when the position is considered

11/09 APPOINTMENTS 2009/2010:

On presentation of the current list of appointments members were invited to determine appointments for the coming municipal year.

Finance Committee – Cllrs. Cresswell, Downes, Granter, Parker, Richards, Mrs Slocombe, Smeed and Turner.

Planning Panel – Cllrs. Downes, Monteith, Munn, Parker, Ms Raven, Smeed and Turner

Museum Sub-Committee – Cllrs Granter, Smeed and Turner

Blake & Gilbert Charity – 5 – Mrs Briscombe, Ms Pearce, Mr JRB Taylor for four years from 2008 and Cllrs Richards and Turner for four years from June 2007

Brent Marshall and Mansfield Charity – 5 - Mrs Briscombe and Cllrs. Preece and Turner for four years from November 2008, Mr WH Munn (confirm acceptance) and Cllr Richards for four years from June 2007

Tamlin Charity – 4 – life term – Mayor and Deputy Mayor (by designation), Mr Adrian Moore and Cllr Richards

Towell Charity – 2 – life term – Ms Pearce and Cllr Smeed (commenced June 2006)

King James Exhibition and Scholarship Endowment Charity – 1 – Cllr Parker (from 2009 on)

Bridgwater/La Ciotat Link Society – 1 – Cllr Richards

Bridgwater/Homberg Society – 1 (President) – Cllr Richards (as Mayor)

Bridgwater/Marsa Society – 1 (President) – Cllr Richards (as Mayor)

Bridgwater/Czech/Slovak Friendship Society (UH Twin) – 1 – Cllr Loveridge

Wyndam Lecture Trust for the Parish of Bridgwater – 1 – Cllr Cresswell

Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce and Trade – 1 – Cllr Parker

Bridgwater Heritage Regeneration Partnership – 1 – Cllr Smeed (Deputy Cllr Granter)

Bridgwater Arts Centre (Board of Directors) – 1 – BJ Gillard (as BTC observer) (full Board Member in own right)

Bridgwater Challenge (Board Member) – 1 – Cllr Downes (sub Cllr Smeed)

BCI Partnership – 2 – Cllrs Downes and Turner (check continuity)

Somerset Cultural Forum – 1 – Cllr Parker

Cluster Group (SDC) – Cllrs Hall, Parker, Ms Raven and Turner and Town Clerk

Westover Green Community School – minor LA Governor – 1 – Mrs EH Hudson

Bridgwater Transport Strategy Review – 1 – Cllr Monteith (continuation to be checked with SCC)

Internal Auditor – 1 – Mrs Geri O’Loughlin

Hinkley Point (ex-Liaison Committee) site stakeholder group – 1 – Cllr Downes or substitute

Building Schools for the Future – Stakeholders’ Board – 1 - Cllr Parker (nomination in case comes out of limbo) – Strategic Project Board - includes representative from a Bridgwater Ward of SCC (Request position from BTC on this Board)

SDC Standards Committee Town & Parish member (1 of 3) – Cllr Monteith (elected by local councils)

Grievance & Disciplinary Panel – Cllrs. Cresswell, Ms Raven, Granter, Richards (Mayor) and Mrs Slocombe

Appeals Panel – Cllrs Munn (Deputy Mayor), Loveridge and Turner

RESOLVED: That the following appointments to Committees and Council representations on other bodies be made, subject to specific points of clarification being addressed.

12/09 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:

RESOLVED: That the payments (including Section 137 payments) made since the last meeting recorded in the Town Clerk’s report dated 4 June 2009 and the credit income as previously reported, be approved and confirmed.

13/09 GRANTS AND WARD BUDGET BIDDING:

RESOLVED: That the following decisions (within the provisions of Section 137 where applicable) be made:-

Sydenham Netball Club – lighting to newly laid tarmac area providing additional space for training – grant of £1000 approved;
ACTS Theatre School part funding including lighting and sound, band, performing rights and user costs for town hall performance – grant of £2500 approved;
Bridgwater Flower Show Society – funding support for show to promote and encourage continuity of event – grant of £500 approved;
Bridgwater Visually Impaired Bowlers – support for representation on behalf of UK in Northern Ireland Triple Bowls Championships – grant of £750
Marina Sydenham Juvenile Carnival Club – financing of embroidered fleeces for carnival club members in support of overall fund raising – (Sydenham) ward grant of £300 approved;
Bridgwater Arts Centre – street party – deferred for consideration upon receipt of detailed application – core grant of £2700 approved for issue

(Cllrs Cresswell, Turner and Munn declared an interest in item i, Cllr Richards in item iii, Cllr Ms Raven in item v and Cllr Parker in item vi and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

14/09 PUBLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

The Town Clerk reported on correspondence and papers received and those additional to the report in two sections: those for decision and those for information.

RESOLVED: That all items be noted as listed in the report dated 4 June 2009 (agenda item 10) and decisions taken as follows with additional items recorded:-

1. Sedgemoor Retail Seminar 17/06/09 – Cllrs Loveridge and Parker nominated together with the Town Clerk

2. Conservation Day – invitation to be circulated to all Members for the showing of the Civic Trust film on 29/07/09 in conjunction with the Civic Society and the Mayor.

3. Public Sector Duties – Equality Bill obligations existing and proposed for 2011 – further report to be presented

26. Tour of Britain Cycle Race – passing through Bridgwater on 17/09/09

27. Somerset Arts Conference 06/10/09 – celebrating the Arts in Somerset – circulated to all members by e-mail

28. Highways correspondence on parking situation in Union Street (referred in Inspector Crocker’s discussion)

29. Sedgemoor Affordable Housing Open Day – 16/07/09

The meeting finished at 9.15pm

………………………………………

Signed

Chairman

Meeting Calendar

June 2009